subject: Estrogens Online, Premarin, Women's Health [print this page] Brand name: Brand name:
Premarin
Generic name:
Estrogens
Description:
Premarin (Conjugated Estrogens) is a female hormone and is usually given to women who no longer produce the proper amount. It is used to reduce menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, vaginal dryness), to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in people at high risk, or to treat certain cancers in men and women (e.g., certain types of metastatic breast cancer). It may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. If you are only being treated for vaginal menopause symptoms, products applied locally such as vaginal creams, tablets, or rings should be considered before products taken by mouth or absorbed through the skin. There are several medicines (e.g., raloxifene or bisphosphonates) that are safe and effective to prevent or treat bone loss. These medicines should be considered for use before estrogen therapy for osteoporosis. If you have other medical conditions as well, and are prescribed estrogens for more than one condition, consult your doctor about your treatment plan and its options. Estrogen-containing products should not be used to prevent heart disease.
Treating certain symptoms of menopause (eg, hot flashes, vaginal dryness or itching). It is used to prevent osteoporosis (weak bones) after menopause in certain patients. It is used in certain patients to treat low estrogen levels, breast cancer or prostate cancer. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Premarin is a mixture of female estrogen hormones. It works by replacing natural estrogens in a woman who can no longer produce enough estrogen. It works for advanced prostate cancer by antagonizing male hormones.
How to use Premarin:
Use Premarin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
* An extra patient leaflet is available with Premarin. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
* Take Premarin by mouth with food or immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset.
* Taking Premarin at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
* Discuss with your doctor stopping Premarin 4 to 6 weeks before surgery.
* If you miss a dose of Premarin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Premarin.
Possible side effects of Premarin:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
* Breast pain or tenderness; gas; headache; hair loss; mild nausea or vomiting; spotting or breakthrough bleeding; stomach cramps or bloating.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
* Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal bleeding from the vagina; breast lumps; calf pain, swelling, or tenderness; changes in vision or speech; chest pain; dizziness; fainting; mental or mood changes; pain in the calves; pain or tenderness in the upper abdomen; severe headache; slurred speech; sudden shortness of breath; swelling of the hands or feet; unusual vaginal discharge/itching/odor; vision changes; vomiting; weakness or numbness of an arm or leg; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
